Podcast Summary: Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning with Sasha Stone
Episode: The Real Handmaids of the Woke Left
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Real Handmaids of the Woke Left," host Sasha Stone delves deep into the current sociopolitical climate, particularly focusing on the dynamics within the feminist movement and the ongoing debates surrounding transgender rights and women's sports. Stone presents a critical examination of what she perceives as the shift in feminist leadership and the rise of what she terms the "woke left," arguing that true advocacy for women's rights is being overshadowed by what she considers to be extreme and coercive ideologies.

Critique of the Feminist Movement and "Woke Left"

Stone begins by referencing Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to draw parallels between the fictional oppression of women and her view of the current feminist movement. She asserts that "Only one side is obedient and silent, and it isn't the right" (00:00), suggesting that true female empowerment is being compromised by internal factions within the left.

Stone criticizes prominent female figures she believes have failed to defend women's rights adequately. She specifically mentions Hillary Clinton, Simone Biles, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), accusing them of betraying feminist principles by aligning with what she describes as a "cult" that seeks to erase women's rights.

Sasha Stone (00:28): "They are the real Handmaids. I didn't use to think so. I thought Hillary Clinton fought for the rights of women and girls."

Simone Biles and Riley Gaines: A Case Study

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the conflict between Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and swimmer Riley Gaines. Stone portrays Biles as a representative of the "woke left" who undermines female athletes by supporting transgender inclusion in sports.

Simone Biles criticizes Riley Gaines for her stance against transgender women in sports, accusing Gaines of being a "sore loser" and a "bully." Stone highlights incidents where Biles attacks Gaines on social media, portraying them as emblematic of the larger battle over women's sports.

Simone Biles (01:02): "Handmaiden to the patriarchy, which kind of…"

Riley Gaines (06:57): "Number one, she's acknowledging there are differences, like physiological, biological differences between men and women..."

These exchanges underscore the tension between maintaining biological distinctions in sports and advocating for transgender inclusion, a central theme in Stone's critique.

Donald Trump's Executive Order on Women's Sports

A pivotal moment in the episode is the introduction of Donald Trump's executive order aimed at banning men from competing in women's sports. Stone presents this as a corrective measure against what she perceives as the "radical left's" efforts to undermine women's competitive fairness.

Donald Trump (16:05): "In a few moments, I'll sign a historic executive order to ban men from competing in women's sports."

Stone lauds this move, contrasting it with Hillary Clinton's alleged inaction, and portrays Trump as a defender of women's rights against leftist overreach.

Sasha Stone (15:54): "What does Hillary think that Trump the man she called a rapist and a misogynist did what she never could..."

Voices from the Left: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The episode features heated exchanges between AOC and other figures like Riley Gaines and Chloe Cole. AOC vehemently defends transgender rights, labeling opponents as "sore losers" and emphasizing inclusion over perceived fairness.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (09:46): "Are bleeding out in parking lots across the country, standing there allowing us to die."

These interactions highlight the deep divisions within the feminist movement regarding transgender rights and the extent to which inclusion should be prioritized.

Detransitioners Speak Out

Stone introduces voices from detransitioners—individuals who have reversed their gender transition—to bolster her argument against current transgender policies. Chloe Cole and Riley Gaines share personal stories of regret and challenges faced post-transition, framing them as evidence of systemic failures in gender-affirming care.

Chloe Cole (24:05): "Doctors medicalized me starting puberty blockers and testosterone at a 13-year-old girl."

Riley Gaines (26:32): "Adults told me that this was a sign that my body was fighting to be a boy."

These testimonies are used to argue that the push for transgender inclusion in various sectors, including sports and education, has led to real harm.

Media Influence: Megyn Kelly’s Role

Megyn Kelly is portrayed as a significant figure in the movement opposing the "woke left." Stone highlights Kelly's media presence and activism, particularly her confrontations with Georgia Governor Gavin Newsom over transgender policies in sports.

Megyn Kelly (18:28): "Please be hereby advised that large scale federal funding will be held back maybe permanently if the executive order on this subject matter is not adhered to."

Kelly's advocacy is framed as instrumental in shaping public opinion and governmental actions against transgender inclusion in women's sports.

Political Implications and Legislation

Stone discusses bipartisan efforts to address what she views as the overreach of transgender policies, mentioning figures like Jamie Reid and Jennifer Tse who work alongside Republicans to promote legislation protecting children from gender-affirming care.

Sasha Stone (23:04): "Many women who still consider themselves Democrats are out there fighting, uniting with Republicans..."

This collaboration underscores the episode's theme of crossing traditional political boundaries to address perceived threats to women's rights.

Conclusion: The Struggle for Women's Rights

In her concluding remarks, Stone emphasizes the ongoing struggle between traditional feminist ideals and the current direction she attributes to the "woke left." She laments the loss of strong female leadership and the adoption of what she sees as authoritarian tactics within the movement.

Sasha Stone (32:31): "They allowed themselves to be oppressed by the cult and were too afraid to stand up for what they knew in their hearts was the right thing to do."

Stone calls for a return to genuine advocacy for women and children, stressing the importance of maintaining biological and gender distinctions to protect societal structures.

Notable Quotes

• Sasha Stone (00:00): "Only one side is obedient and silent, and it isn't the right. All you have to do, I tell myself, is keep your mouth shut and look stupid."

• Simone Biles (01:02): "Handmaiden to the patriarchy..."

• Riley Gaines (06:57): "Number one, she's acknowledging there are differences, like physiological, biological differences between men and women in saying this."

• Donald Trump (16:05): "In recent years, the radical left has waged an all out campaign to erase the very concept of biological sex..."

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (09:46): "Are bleeding out in parking lots across the country, standing there allowing us to die."

• Chloe Cole (24:05): "Doctors medicalized me starting puberty blockers and testosterone at a 13-year-old girl."

Closing Thoughts

Sasha Stone's episode presents a fervent critique of contemporary feminist and leftist movements, particularly focusing on transgender rights and their impact on women's sports and societal norms. Through personal anecdotes, interviews, and the inclusion of various voices from both sides of the debate, Stone argues that the true essence of women's rights advocacy is being undermined by what she perceives as a coercive and authoritarian shift within the movement.

For more insights and essays on politics and culture, visit Sasha Stone's Substack.

Timestamp References:
[00:00] - Start of Episode
[00:28] - Introduction of Margaret Atwood Quote
[00:55] - Interaction with Riley Gaines
...
[34:34] - Closing Narrative by Donald Trump
[36:24] onwards - Musical Outro